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Last December 17, 2017 Cebu Pacific Airlines had their maiden flight that flew direct from Manila to Siargao. Being based in Siargao Island in the Philippines, we were able to jump on the plane from Siargao and arrived in Manila after just 2 hours of flying! It was a relaxing and pleasurable experience – right from the service crew on the island, boarding the brand new plane, sitting on the front row with wide legroom space, very helpful airline crew, the smooth flight from professional pilots, the delicious snacks that were pre-ordered for us all the way to landing.

Getting to and from Siargao to Manila was always such a huge trek for people like me, surfers from Manila but have decided to move to the island of Siargao mostly for our love of surfing and the island life. But now, Cebu Pacific Airline now has a direct flight that I or anyone can take if we miss or need to get to the city.

Aside from Manila, Cebu Pacific also flies direct to Siargao from Cebu, twice daily, with the lowest year-round fare. Travelers may also visit the island by taking a connecting flight from any of its six other hubs (Manila, Clark, Kalibo, Iloilo, Davao, Cagayan de Oro) via Cebu to Siargao.

Another cool thing about Cebu Pacific Air is that is has also recently launched its newest service that caters to surfers and watersports aficionados—CEB Surfboard – which allows guests to pre-book their surfing equipment to reserve check-in space across Airbus jets or ATR aircraft of the carrier. This service can be added to flight bookings up to four hours before scheduled times of departure. Perfect to bring back our surfboards to the island!

Now people who want to explore Siargao, especially those who want to learn how to surf and join Surfista Travels Siargao Camps or Day Packages can travel faster and easier with Cebu Pacific’s direct flights and can up their surfing skills while visiting one of the most beautiful islands in the Philippines, if not the world. We are looking forward to seeing you on the island and hopefully learn how to surf the fun and professional way with us. See you in the waves!

While packing itself is a tricky art to master, traveling with a surfboard demands more attention than the usual underwear-count concerns. Just like any other skill, you’ll get better over time as you learn from mistakes. But here at Surfista Travels Philippines, we’ve gone the extra mile by making (and learning from) all these blunders for you, so you can skip through the hassle.

You might want to bookmark or print out this list for your next surf trip, to ensure that you’ve got everything together. After all, borrowing might not be an option as your friends could already be at the line up by the time you figure out you’ve left something. Let’s start with things you absolutely must not leave behind, then work our way down to things you might be able to make diskarte for.

Gretch (far right) on a surf trip with her friends and fellow Surfistas!

10. Key to your tie-downs/roof rack

When you leave this behind, the trip is over even before it begins. You can always cut your way through your tie downs, but that creates the new problem of how you’ll drive your board home. Turning to sampayan strings won’t do, as the drag created by your accelerating car will surely flip your board off the roof. Personally, I secure my tie-down key with my car key so I only keep track of “one” thing.

Tie downs are very important for a surf trip. A couple of macho surfer boys don’t hurt either! ;) Mark Mabanag & Luke Landrigan being wonderful caddies on a surf trip!

9. Fins, Fin Key, Back Up Screws

Your friends love you to death, but there is absolutely no way they could get you out of this one, short of lending you their board. And that means, one sits out while the other rides. Store your fins in your board bag to ensure that they always come with your board. Know what type of key your fins require: FCS keys are shaped differently from Futures keys, and even within the same brand the models could vary. Just as there are different keys, there are different screw sizes. Make sure you have the correct back ups in case the sand decides to eat up your teeny screw. To keep them all together, I use a Sticky Bumps fin bag where I also store my wax.

8. Leash

The locals and the surf schools could probably cover your ass on this one, but you might not be able to surf at your optimum. Surfing with your own leash that meets your body and board length specifications ensures your safety and of those around you. Using your own leash also means that the length is suitable for the types of maneuvers that you’re practicing for.

7. Foil Tape & Duct Tape

It is heartbreaking, but dings and cracks happen even to the best boards. After silently weeping, you can perform a “first aid” to save your session until you get your board properly repaired. Use your hands to feel your board through. Once you find the ding, dry that part with a towel. Cut/tear off a section of foil tape and fully cover the ding. This layer temporarily waterproofs the crack. Then, cut off a slightly larger piece of duct tape to stick over the foil tape as foil easily tears. If in La Union, you may seek out Aki San for his board repair expertise.

Dings, broken boards, injuries are always part of the surf adventure. Be prepared!

6. First Aid Kit (for yourself)

We love our boards but we’ve got to love ourselves too! Remember, safety above all else. A little scratch here and there is inevitable, but fin cuts and deep reef cuts require professional medical attention. And NO peeing on jellyfish stings. Just no.

5. Wax

Because otherwise, shame on you.

4. Dry Bag

Getting in that last surf session right before heading home is totally worth it. But that leaves your clothes with no time to dry. Bring an extra bag made of canvass to store your wet stuff in.

3. Treats for the Locals

This entire list is written under the (duh) assumption that you already have your own board. Which means that you’ve been surfing for a while. Which means you KNOW the locals. Never forget those who pushed you into your first wave. The guys who cheered you on as you dropped in on THEIR wave. The people who shared their food, their beer, and their secret spots with you. Chips and drinks are always welcome. Sometimes, I bring them free stickers and shirts I get from surf brands I support. :)

Locals love stickers!

2. 90s Music

If I’m driving and you’re not, you better start singing.

It’s always good to have good vibes and good music with you on your trip.

1. Underpants

This item makes the bottom of the list, but important still. You are expected to bring at least one more pair apart from the ones you’re already wearing on your way there.

We know you don’t need to wear a lot to go surfing and the hot weather makes us want to take our clothes off, but yes… bring extra underpants. ;)

The best tip I can offer is to keep everything together as much as you can. I have a bag that’s dedicated to surfing and nothing else. This way, I simply have to return all of my gear in the same bag after they dry. Best of all, I don’t have to pack and unpack for every trip. Do yourself a favor and spend more time surfing and less time looking for things. See you at the line up. :)

SURF! One of Baler’s famous surf spots, Sabang beach, is not the only place to catch good waves. There are also clean, barreling waves like Cemento for skilled surfers who ride shortboards, and nice, small peelers like Secret Spot or Rivermouth for surfers who enjoy long rides on longboards.

Jovanne Lagman enjoying the waves of Baler. Photo by Calix Enggay

LOCALS. The friendliest, most energetic company that’s needed to keep a trip stoked! Locals of Baler are more than willing to entertain guests at any time to enjoy Baler to the fullest.

FOOD. Start the day with a plate of Tapsilog in El Teodoro, and have some peanut butter flavored coffee at Ground Swell after. On a tight budget? Enjoy lunch or dinner at the famous Rolling Store with fresh home cooked meals. Baler is also covered with fresh grilled seafood and ensaladang pako on any of the food establishments around.

There are so many food choices in Baler!

LOCATION. The best sunrise view happens on the east side. Wake up early morning to catch it, and appreciate the sun’s rays filling the ocean bed, turning it into a mix of warm, soft colours of reds, oranges, and violets.

Waking up to catch the sunrise is always worth it in Baler. Photo taken at Aliya Surf Camp.

ENVIRONMENT. Unlike other populated beaches in the Philippines, Baler has always kept their surroundings clean. Not to mention, even the roads to other surf spots is a rough way just to keep it natural and untouched. The countless beautiful coconut trees, clean river paths, and different kinds of colorful flowers seen along the way are what Baler has best.

Surfistas Elaine Abonal and Jovanne look like dwarves next to the wide expanse of gigantic coconut trees! We are in paradise!

SCENERY. A photographer can easily capture a picturesque view of what defines Baler. Appreciate the view of the horizon along Sabang, explore on other beaches like Dicasalarin, or watch the best sunset view over at the Ermita Hill.

GOOD COMPANY. Travelling alone? Meeting new people along the way will save the trip’s worth! See the famous Balete Tree (also known as the Millenium Tree) or trek through to the Mother Falls together.

There are so many waterfalls to choose from and what better way to spend time with your friends than exploring nature with them! Here are Surfistas enjoying the cool waterfalls after a short hike and their surf lessons.

THE TOWN. Also known as their “bayan,” it has everything needed fit for Baler’s lifestyle. The town not only has the market, food establishments and other services, it also has some historical background on its architecture and urban design, as well as their museum called Museo de Baler that stores different artifacts from ancient civilizations.

NIGHT LIFE. This is not the city nightlife of unlimited booze and hyped music. The setting of Baler at night would either be acoustic sessions or videoke machines in bars, or a few bonfires with groups gathered around it along the stretch of Sabang beach.

10. BOATS. Explore Baler in a different way! There are a number of boats that can be used for touring all day. Wanderers will find coves, islands, reefs, and even historical landmarks that can only be seen from the sea. For surfers, this is also an easier way to check out surf spots along the coast.

Jovanne started as a Surfista and now has her own beautiful longboard and goes on surf trips on her own. We couldn’t be more proud of our Surfista girl!

I’m a late bloomer when it comes to surfing, but I’ve been meaning to try surfing for ages. When I started learning how to surf and did my share of research, I stumbled upon Surfista Travels Philippines. Here are the top 10 reasons (because I could list a whole lot more) why for me, Surfista Travels is THE BEST!

Moi has always been a fan of Surfista Travels and last year, she finally made her dreams come true and joined a Surfista trip! ;)

1. It’s PERSONALIZED.

Surfista Travels makes sure that each trip has a touch of love and care! Aside from the surfing itself, each trip is filled with activities suited to maximize the trip where the group is in. For example, if the trip is in Baler, the group gets to visit the Oldest Balete Tree and the Mother Falls. If it’s in La Union, there are waterfalls called Tangadan Falls. There are mini-ice breaker activities per trip that will be conducted such as a kris-kringle which I experienced during the La Union Surf Trip I attended last December 2013. Elaine Abonal of Surfista Travels keeps everyone involved and excited, which I love.

Island hopping with the Surfistas who went to Siargao! Every trip and group is PERSONALIZED, which makes every Surfista experience memorable!

2. They make sure of the QUALITY of everything.

Surfista Travels works with surf schools that have certified instructors, resorts with quality service and amenities, and sponsors that provide products geared towards a safer surf environment. All these are important because the aim of Surfista Travels is to help groups of people to get to the best surf spots, surf resorts and surf schools while making it easy, convenient, and fun!

Surfista Travels only works with the BEST. Here is pro surfer Luke Landrigan personally giving surfing basics to Surfistas.

3. They’re actually LEGIT!

Elaine Abonal of Surfista Travels is based in Manila and has been surfing, traveling around the Philippines and bringing friends to different surf spots for the past 10 years. She is currently a brand ambassador for GoPro Philippines, Hurley Philippines, VMV Hypoallergenics Philippines, Breo, Lightwater, Vitaminboost, Nalgene Philippines, Sea To Summit Philippines, Zem Gear Philippines and Agos Pilipinas and has also recently received her First Aid Certification from Philippine First Aid. How’s that for being legit?

Surfista Travels Founder Elaine Abonal with Moireen Espinosa

4. COMMUNICATION is the key for Surfista Travels.

From pre to post surf trip, all you’d worry about is the #SEApanx and you’d be eager to join the next Surfista Trip. Elaine Abonal, the owner and founder of Surfista Travels, always makes sure that every detail of each trip is well-coordinated. Surfista Travels has a website and social media accounts where Elaine posts updates about trips, deadlines, merchandise and such. She also makes a point to send reminders via email and SMS to participants regarding the trip they signed up for.

Elaine Abonal is known for and remembered by Surfistas as very organized and friendly – it’s as if you’ve known each other for a long time and are hanging out with an old friend.

5. It is WORTH EVERY PENNY!

People from different parts of the Philippines and other countries book with Surfista Travels because the process is simple and is hassle free! Surfista Travels takes the on the “spirit of surf travel” and makes it just pure FUN and STRESS FREE for ALL participants – from finding a place to stay, transportation to and from the surf spot; Surfista Travels takes care of everything!

No worries. Just join a Surfista trip and your main job is to HAVE FUN!

6. They’ve got PASSION: Commitment to the Environment.

Elaine, through Surfista Travels, spreads her love of surfing. Surfista Travels is not just a surf tour company but it is also focused on the promotion of eco-surf / sustainable tourism . Surfista Travels has been an inspiration and a way for participants to reachout through activities such as Beach Cleanups to keep the environment safe and clean for both humans and mother nature.

Surfista Travels makes sure that we never leave any of our trash whenever we go on surf spots. We also heave beach clean ups to teach Surfistas the importance of showing the locals that we care for and respect their beaches.

7. You’ll always be with GOOD COMPANY.

Being part of Surfista Travels is more than just the surfing experience per se, but being around people who you would share the same stoked feeling –regardless of the skill level in surfing. You’d likely meet people from different walks of life but at the end of the trip, you’d find yourself with a bunch of new found bffs.

Moireen Espinosa with her Surfista Travels group to La Union

8. TRAVEL – what else!?

Surfing here would need to take hours of travel time – so this would also feed you’re your craving to travel! Surfista Travels offer different packages to different awesome surf spots such as La Union, Baler, and Siargao. Surfista Travels will surely bring you to the best surf spots at the right time for both beginners and intermediate surfers.

From beginners to advanced surfers – such as this TV crew from Montreal Canada who did a TV show called OuiSurf – Surfista Travels can provide you the service and information you need – especially when it comes to surf travel.

9. Surfista Travels really live the SURFING LIFESTYLE.

Unlike what other people think, surfing isn’t a cliquish sport. Since you spend time with people and met new people at the same time, in the long run it’s a very welcoming community – and Surfista Travels takes this into account. But surfing is not just about getting in the water and riding waves, but it’s about relationships with Surfista Participants, the locals, and the environment.

10. Last but not the least – SURFING!

Of course! Why join Surfista Travels if surfing isn’t in the list? Add to it the stoked feeling after you ride your first wave. Oh! And those muscles you didn’t know existed? They will surely ache but it’s worth it! Sooner you’d be ripped in no time! Once you start have that first ride on a wave, it is feels awesome! And since every wave is different, you’d get addicted to it!

Moi’s game face is ON! Learning how to surf with Surfista Travels is one of the best experiences you can give to your family, friends, and especially yourself.

Surfista Gretchen Que is a big fan of La Union and has been there many times with and without us. She writes her top 10 reasons why she loves La Union and why YOU should join us on our future Surfista trips too! ;)

Surfista Gretch – All smiles with her surfboard at her favorite place to surf !